Not Just the Tudors Hans Holbein: New Discoveries
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Nov 13, 2025 Dr. Elizabeth Goldring, a historian and author specializing in Hans Holbein, shares groundbreaking insights into the artist's life and techniques. She discusses how modern scientific analysis has uncovered hidden layers and lost details in Holbein's paintings. Goldring reveals the implications of Holbein's left-handedness and explores his early training, influences from Augsburg, and connections to Erasmus. The conversation highlights Holbein's innovative portrait style and the role his masterpieces played in Tudor diplomacy and culture.
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Holbein Defined The Tudor Image
- Hans Holbein's portraits shaped our mental image of the Tudor court and its personalities.
- His realism conveyed politics, propaganda and individual psychology across centuries.
Science Restores Lost Colours And Changes
- Scientific imaging reveals lost colours and pentimenti that restore original appearances.
- Pigments like smalt fade, so technical analysis is vital to imagine Holbein's original effects.
Pentimenti Reveal Holbein's Perfectionism
- Infrared and x-ray show pentimenti that reveal Holbein's repeated reworkings and perfectionism.
- These changes give direct access to his creative process and dialogue with patrons.
